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2021 Building Homes Rhode Island RFP
Energy Efficiency:
Please provide a letter from a design team member (e.g. the architect, engineer, green building consultant, or
other design team member) demonstrating the application of individual features from this category to be
incorporated into the project. If possible, please identify the product(s) being used to meet the characteristics of
the various development features in this category. Please provide adequate documentation to demonstrate
efforts to meet the characteristics of the various operational features (efficient operations in terms of energy and
water use and indoor air quality). The letter must be signed with a handwritten signature, on
letterhead/stationary from the signatory, and dated within six months of the opening of the BHRI funding round.
*** Documentation that is difficult for the Administrative Agent or the Housing Resources Commission to interpret or does not
clearly demonstrate eligibility under this category may be rejected***
Some examples of sustainable design elements may include but are not limited to:
• Large R-value insulation (such as walls, roof, or foundation). (Please identify the insulation to be used
and explain why these have been chosen e.g. expected energy savings and/or exceeds building codes.)
• Electricity-generating renewable energy features e.g. photovoltaic panels, co-generation, wind turbines,
or other technology.
• Water-conserving fixtures or features (such as, but not limited to, toilets 1.1 gpf, showerheads 1.5 gpm,
kitchen faucets 1.5 gpm, or bathroom faucets 1.0 gpm).
• On demand (tankless) water heaters or solar hot water heaters.
• High-efficiency heat pumps with efficiencies greater than or equal to 87%, furnaces with efficiencies
greater than or equal to 90%, or boilers with efficiencies greater or equal to 95%, including but not
limited to geo-thermal systems.
• Ventilation-installation of ventilation system adequate to provide fresh air. (Please describe the
ventilation system capable of providing adequate fresh air. This may include continuous or whole house
ventilation as well as Energy Star-labeled kitchen and bathroom fans.)
• Energy-efficient low-E argon windows or other energy-efficient or Energy Star-qualified windows.
• Energy Star-qualified appliances and Energy Star-qualified lighting or fixtures. Can be fulfilled with
other equivalent high-performance appliances and lighting fixtures (may include interior, exterior,
and/or common areas).
• Installation of individual or sub-metered electric meters and/or water meters for all dwelling units.
• Appropriately size HVAC equipment for project design and locate HVAC equipment and distribution
system within the building envelope in order to reduce thermal distribution losses.
• Commissioning the building’s energy-related systems to ensure successful installation, operation, and
performance. Systems may include but are not limited to heating and air conditioning, ventilation,
lighting, hot water, or any renewable energy system. (Please describe the commissioning plan and the
parties identified as the commissioning agent)
• Operations or maintenance-building maintenance manual or other educational materials for residents,
owners, or property management.
• Other (please describe)